2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse 1.5L Petrol · HX68 AAK

A clean and consistent MOT record defines this 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse, with four consecutive passes recorded between 2022 and early 2026 and no failures, refusals, or structural concerns appearing anywhere in the testing history. The most recent examination on 12 February 2026 returned a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, confirming continued roadworthiness at the time of test and reinforcing a stable trend rather than any emerging pattern of deterioration. The only meaningful items flagged across five years of testing are the front brake disc and pad advisories issued on 15 February 2024, which noted surface corrosion and pads wearing thin but not yet at a seriously weakened state. With nothing reappearing at the 2025 or 2026 tests, the braking system appears to have been addressed in the intervening period, suggesting a tidy mechanical profile overall. At 45,652 miles over an eight-year life, this Eclipse has covered roughly 5,700 miles per year, which sits well below the typical annual accumulation for a vehicle of this age. MOT tests have been conducted at very regular intervals with no extended gaps in the record, indicating the car has remained taxed and in use throughout rather than being laid up for prolonged periods. Lower annual mileage of this nature generally means reduced wear on major drivetrain and suspension components, though it can also bring considerations such as extended standing time between journeys, which may affect items like brake discs through surface corrosion and tyres through age-hardening of the rubber compound. The fact that brake disc wear was specifically flagged suggests this is a plausible area to monitor, though no repeat advisory has emerged since. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be a thorough assessment of the front braking system, given the 2024 advisories. The front discs should be checked for lipping around the outer edge, measured for remaining thickness against the manufacturer minimum, and inspected for any renewed pitting or scoring. The front pads should be visually confirmed for material thickness, and the calipers examined for any signs of binding or uneven retraction that could cause pulling to one side under braking. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or squealing from the front wheels and feel for vibration or judder through the steering wheel under firm braking, which would suggest disc run-out or hot spots. Beyond the braking system, attention should focus on the general condition of the undercarriage, as lower mileage does not always protect against corrosion-related advisories on suspension and brake lines. Inspect the visible brake pipes, fuel lines, and subframe mounting points for any surface rust or scaling, and check the condition of the coil springs, anti-roll bar linkages, and suspension bushes for cracking, perished rubber, or play when rocked. With the vehicle being a petrol-powered crossover, a road test should include a check for smooth engine response, absence of warning lights, and steady behaviour under load, while the tyres should be examined for age-related sidewall cracking as much as for tread depth given the modest annual mileage the car has covered.